Best Self-Defense Cartridges

The discussion surrounding the ideal pistol caliber for self-defense has been a long-standing and contentious one. Firearms enthusiasts tend to hold strong opinions about their preferred calibers, leading to heated arguments. While this article may not resolve the ongoing debate regarding the "best" caliber for self-defense, it aims to provide you with factual information and statistics about the most widely used defensive cartridges available today. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better equipped to make an educated decision on what caliber suits your needs. Furthermore, this article will present reliable scientific evidence that can be useful when engaging in passionate discussions about your favored self-defense cartridge.

Selecting The Right Self-Defense Round

Selecting a self-defense cartridge is a deeply personal choice, as there is no universally perfect caliber that suits everyone's needs. What may be effective for one shooter could be problematic for another. Achieving certain advantages in one aspect, such as terminal energy, often entails compromises in other areas like recoil energy. The key to finding the right defensive cartridge lies in striking a balance between shootability, comfortable carry, and sufficient stopping power against potential threats. Outlined below are the most popular options favored by contemporary shooters for defensive purposes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. After careful examination of the available data and considering our own experiences, we have come to the conclusion that the 9mm Luger stands out as the top all-around handgun cartridge for self-defense. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that smaller individuals may struggle with shooting and concealing 9mm pistols. Despite this, we have selected the 9mm as it generally performs well for the majority of shooters in various defensive scenarios.

Our Top Choice - 9mm Luger

In the past, 9mm Luger (also known as 9x19 Parabellum or simply 9mm) was often viewed as a subpar option for personal defense. However, times have changed, and the 9mm has risen to become the most popular cartridge for both law enforcement and concealed carry among civilians. It has earned this popularity through its impressive performance. Recoil As Sir Isaac Newton elegantly stated in his Third Law of Motion, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." In the realm of shooting, the opposite reaction to firing a bullet is recoil. Recoil refers to the "kick" produced by a firearm upon firing. Firearms with lower recoil are generally easier to handle and shoot. Weapons with excessive recoil can be challenging to shoot accurately, particularly when taking follow-up shots. Compared to larger caliber defensive rounds, the 9mm generates relatively mild recoil. This manageable recoil allows shooters to achieve faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Given that precise shot placement is crucial in a defensive shooting scenario, this becomes a significant advantage of the 9mm. Power and Penetration When considering "stopping power," the effectiveness of the 9mm depends on the specific ammunition used. Modern advancements in ammunition technology have brought the terminal performance of 9mm rounds on par with much larger calibers. Today's 9mm ammunition offers higher velocities, increased impact force, and greater expansion compared to what we were using a decade ago. Nevertheless, for personal protection, certain 9mm loads work better than others. It is recommended to opt for expanding hollow points for your self-defense handgun in order to achieve optimal results. Capacity 9mm provides a higher capacity compared to most other popular concealed carry calibers, although the actual capacity may vary depending on the firearm model. The smaller size of 9mm cartridges, in comparison to .40 S&W or .45 ACP, allows for more rounds to be loaded into a magazine. Cost and Availability When it comes to affordability, 9mm Luger ammo stands out among other popular pistol calibers. This means you don't have to spend a fortune on your carry ammunition. The availability of cost-effective practice loads allows you to improve your shooting skills without putting a strain on your finances. Considering that proficiency with your weapon is essential for defensive shooting, this becomes a significant advantage of the 9mm. The 9mm Luger holds a prominent position as one of the most widely used cartridges in the current market. There is no shortage of options when it comes to 9mm pistols or ammunition. All major manufacturers offer multiple firearm models, ranging from autoloaders to revolvers, and from subcompact to full size. Additionally, there are numerous defense-specific loads available for shooters to choose from. 9mm JHP Ammo: PMC/ S&B/Federal Need bulk 9mm ammo? Check out our 9mm section on our site to see what’s in stock!

.380 ACP

Introduced in 1908, the .380 Automatic Colt Pistol (.380 Auto or .380 ACP) was initially designed for blowback pistols of that era. However, compared to more modern pistol cartridges, the .380 ACP falls short in terms of power, velocity, and terminal performance, making it less suitable for serious personal protection or home defense. So, why is it included in this list? When the need arises, even a small firearm like the .380 ACP is better than having no firearm at all. We believe that the .380 Auto works best as a backup gun rather than a primary concealed carry weapon. Its ultra-compact size and ease of concealment make it ideal for this role. With a quality pocket or ankle holster, the .380 ACP becomes a reliable sidekick to complement your everyday carry (EDC) sidearm. Recoil Although both .380 ACP and 9mm Luger use projectiles of the same diameter, the .380 ACP propels lighter bullets at slower speeds. While the .380 ACP may have lower velocity, the reduced speed translates to less recoil energy. Recoil is influenced by various factors, with gun weight being one of the significant ones. Heavier guns absorb more recoil than lighter ones. Although the .380 ACP produces less recoil energy compared to the other cartridges on this list, it is typically fired from tiny, lightweight pistols. These lightweight pistols do not absorb much recoil energy, resulting in a significant portion being transferred to the shooter. When shooting the smallest .380 Auto micro pistols, you may experience more recoil than when firing a compact 9mm. For instance, a .380 Auto pistol weighing 0.6 pounds firing a 95-grain projectile at 900 fps generates 5.4 foot-pounds of recoil energy. In comparison, a 9mm firing a 115-grain bullet at 1150 fps from a 1.5-pound pistol produces 5.2 foot-pounds of recoil. The difference is minimal. As the gun gains more weight, shooting the 9mm becomes even easier. When fired from a two-pound pistol, the same 9mm bullet generates only 3.8 foot-pounds of recoil. This is significantly less recoil than the .380 ACP. Power and Penetration Both the .380 Auto and the 9mm Luger use projectiles of the same diameter. However, the .380 ACP cartridge has a shorter overall length of .984 inches and a maximum pressure of 21,500 psi according to SAAMI standards. In comparison, the 9mm measures 1.169 inches and has a maximum pressure of 35,000 psi. Since both cartridges employ bullets of the same diameter, the primary difference lies in the depth of the wound channels they create. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) utilizes specific protocols to assess the penetration effectiveness of defensive loads. According to FBI performance standards, a bullet should penetrate at least 12 inches into ballistics gel, but not exceed 18 inches. Meeting these protocols can be challenging for .380 ACP with expanding bullets since a significant portion of penetrating energy is expended during expansion. If these bullets pass through heavy clothing before reaching the target, penetration can be even shallower. While non-expanding full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds have an easier time reaching the desired 12-inch depth, the wounds they create are narrower. Considering that even small differences in organ and artery damage can have a significant impact, using a non-expanding bullet compromises terminal damage. In simple terms, larger wound channels halt assailants faster than smaller ones. Capacity Tiny backup pistols do not require carrying a large number of rounds. For instance, the Glock subcompact G42 chambered in .380 Auto has a standard magazine capacity of only six rounds. Although you can obtain 15-round magazines, they significantly hinder concealability. Cost and Availability Micro pistols designed for deep concealment, reminiscent of those used by James Bond, are currently in high demand. This has resulted in a wide variety of .380 ACP pistols available on the market. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the availability of ammunition. While most major manufacturers offer several .380 ACP loads, the selection is not as extensive as what you would find for more popular cartridges like 9mm or .45 ACP. Moreover, the .380 ACP ammunition you do find tends to be more expensive compared to 9mm. In terms of cost, they align more closely with heavier-hitting rounds like .45 ACP. 380 JHP Ammo: Barnes & Magtech Need bulk .380 AUTO ammo? Check out our .380 AUTO section on our site to see what’s in stock!

.38 Special

Looking to equip yourself with a reliable wheel gun for self-defense? The .38 Smith & Wesson Special, commonly known as .38 Special, is a favored choice. A revolver chambered in this cartridge offers effective stopping power against assailants, although it does come with certain limitations. Recoil The recoil of the .38 Special is remarkably mild, making it an ideal choice for recoil-sensitive shooters, including women. When loaded in a snub-nose revolver, the recoil can become snappier. While snub-nose revolvers are easier to conceal, medium-frame wheel guns are much more manageable to shoot. Power and Penetration Although both the 9mm and .38 Special utilize bullets of the same caliber, the .38 Special operates at a lower velocity, resulting in reduced projectile energy. The .38 Special's case capacity is smaller (23.4 grains) compared to the 9mm (13.3 grains). However, the .38 Special's case was originally designed for black powder, which generates lower pressures than modern smokeless powder, and the cartridge was engineered accordingly. To illustrate the power difference, standard .38 Special loads have a SAAMI pressure specification of 17,000 psi. If you can access .38 SPL +P loads, they reach a maximum of 18,500 psi. In comparison, the 9mm (increasingly popular for self-defense) has a SAAMI rating of 35,000 psi. A standard pressure .38 Special load propelling a 125-grain bullet at 900 fps generates 225 foot-pounds of energy. In contrast, a standard pressure 9mm load firing a nearly identical projectile achieves a velocity of 1175 fps and 380 foot-pounds of energy. Although the 9mm holds a significant advantage in force, modern bullet designs have narrowed the performance gap between these two cartridges. The .38 Special performs well in FBI penetration protocol tests. While it may not penetrate as deeply in ballistics gel as the 9mm, this can actually be advantageous. Even with FMJ rounds, the .38 Special rarely overpenetrates, especially at close defensive distances. In scenarios where there are crowds or when your family is behind the threat, a bullet that expands in soft tissue and stays there is desirable. Capacity Most revolvers chambered in .38 Special hold only 5 to 6 rounds, and reloading wheel guns is not particularly easy. While 6 rounds of .45 ACP may be sufficient to stop a determined attacker, achieving the same result with .38 Special can be more challenging due to the smaller caliber and resulting smaller wound channels. Therefore, round count becomes even more crucial. Cost and Availability Due to the American preference for semi-automatic polymer pistols like Glocks, SIGs, and Smith & Wesson M&Ps, the production of revolvers has decreased, with fewer .38 Special options available in gun stores. This cartridge is now predominantly found as a second-hand purchase. As the supply of revolvers chambered in .38 Special dwindles, so does the variety of available ammunition. Even budget-friendly .38 Special ammo tends to be relatively expensive, especially when compared to more popular choices like 9mm. Nevertheless, .38 Special remains more affordable than .45 ACP. 38 Special Ammo: Armscor & PPU Need bulk 38 Special ammo? Check out our 38 Special section on our site to see what’s in stock!

.357 Magnum

During the twentieth century, the .357 Magnum stood as the most widely embraced handgun cartridge. Originating in the 1930s, this high-velocity round was specifically developed to aid law enforcement in penetrating car doors and auto glass utilized as cover by gangsters during the Prohibition era. 357 mag ammo for sale Shop 357 Magnum Ammo Although modern shooters have gravitated towards newer cartridges designed for semi-automatic pistols, the .357 Magnum still holds considerable appeal for defensive shooters. While .357 Magnum revolvers are generally too large and heavy for concealed carry, they excel as sidearms. Recoil With the term "Magnum" in its name, one might expect this cartridge to deliver substantial recoil. However, in the realm of handgun recoil, the .357 Magnum falls somewhere in the middle. The recoil produced by a .357 Magnum wheel gun typically exceeds that of a 9mm, but it is noticeably milder than the recoil generated by .40 S&W. Power and Penetration Compared to the standard 9mm, the .357 Magnum exhibits higher velocity and imparts greater energy, both at the muzzle and on targets downrange. The .357 Magnum employs a slightly larger and more robust bullet than the 9mm (0.357 inches for the Magnum vs. 0.355 inches for the Luger). This larger diameter bullet, coupled with increased force, leads to enhanced tissue damage, blood loss, and pain—essential factors for swiftly and effectively neutralizing a threat. Capacity Since the .357 Magnum is primarily loaded into revolvers, shooters typically have a limited capacity of five or six shots. Cost and Availability Most new .357 Magnum handguns can also safely accommodate .38 Special cartridges, adding to their versatility. However, the selection of firearms chambered for this magnum cartridge is predominantly limited to revolvers. In terms of price, both practice and defensive .357 Magnum ammunition are notably more expensive than 9mm. Nonetheless, modern shooters have access to a variety of load options, and purchasing in bulk can help save a few bucks.

.40 S&W

Positioned between the widely adopted 9mm and .45 ACP, the .40 Smith & Wesson (.40 S&W or simply .40) is often referred to as the "compromise cartridge." Introduced in 1990, the .40 S&W is a relatively new addition. It was specifically developed to match the performance of the FBI's reduced-velocity 10mm Auto. By reducing the powder charge, eliminating excess space, and shortening the case length, designers created the new .40 S&W. Recoil The .40 S&W has gained a reputation for its snappy recoil and noticeable muzzle rise, which can pose challenges for inexperienced shooters to control. Despite firing a smaller projectile, the .40 S&W doesn't necessarily exhibit less recoil than the larger .45 ACP, as one might assume. In fact, the numbers tell a different story. When fired from a 1 ½-pound .40 S&W pistol, a 155-grain bullet generates 10.6 foot-pounds of recoil energy. In comparison, a 2 ½-pound .45 ACP pistol firing a 185-grain projectile produces only 6.8 foot-pounds of recoil. The greater weight of the .45 ACP helps mitigate some of the recoil force. However, many shooters find the .40 S&W's recoil to be sharp, snappy, and more challenging to manage. The numbers certainly support this perception. Power and Penetration The .40 S&W shares projectiles with the 10mm Auto. However, due to the smaller powder charge of the .40 S&W (4.8 grains less than the 10mm Auto), it propels projectiles at slower speeds with less energy. The faster and more robust 10mm Auto launches 175-grain bullets at 1160 fps, delivering 523 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. In comparison, the .40 S&W fires the same projectiles at a velocity 150 fps slower, resulting in only 396 foot-pounds of energy. When comparing the power of the .40 S&W to the popular 9mm, their trajectory and drop are quite similar. However, the .40 S&W holds a clear energy advantage. The lighter projectiles of the 9mm exit the muzzle with a mere 339 foot-pounds of energy. Even in terms of terminal expansion, the differences between the two calibers are not significant. 9mm loads designed for significant expansion open up to 0.72 inches, while .40 S&W loads expand to 0.76 inches. The similar expansion implies that the width of the wound channels created by both calibers is relatively comparable. However, with the added energy behind the .40 S&W, it not only achieves greater penetration but also delivers significant concussive force to soft tissue targets. Capacity Although most .40 S&W handguns offer capacities similar to 9mm models, they are typically heavier, bulkier, and more challenging to conceal. Cost and Availability In the recent past, the .40 S&W enjoyed significant popularity among both law enforcement and civilian shooters. However, as the 9mm's popularity surged, the appeal of the .40 S&W declined. Consequently, the options for handguns and ammunition chambered in .40 S&W have diminished. 40 S&W JHP Ammo: Barnes & PMC Need bulk .40 S&W ammo? Check out our .40 S&W section on our site to see what’s in stock!

10mm Auto

Originally introduced in 1983 and affectionately known as the "Bren Ten," the 10mm Auto received a resounding endorsement from Colonel Jeff Cooper, a renowned defensive shooting expert. It was also favored by prominent government agencies like the FBI. However, following the tragic Miami Dade shootout in 1986 that resulted in the death of two FBI agents and injuries to five others, the cartridge fell out of favor. Eventually, the .40 Smith & Wesson replaced the 10mm Auto as the FBI's official duty round. Despite nearly slipping into obscurity, the 10mm Auto is experiencing a renaissance among modern shooters. This cartridge offers formidable defensive capabilities and has gained popularity among handgun hunters. If you reside in an area where defensive shooting involves encounters with both dangerous individuals and wildlife, the 10mm Auto deserves serious consideration. Recoil The primary reason for the FBI's abandonment of the 10mm Auto was the overpowering recoil experienced by many agents. The recoil made it challenging for them to achieve fast and accurate follow-up shots, a crucial skill in their line of work. Firing a 180-grain projectile from a 2.25-pound 10mm pistol generates 11.4 foot-pounds of recoil energy, making it significantly more powerful than other cartridges, including most .44 Magnum loads. The recoil of the 10mm Auto is not for the faint of heart and does not lend itself to enjoyable high-volume target shooting. Its proficiency requires practice, making it a major drawback for many shooters. Power and Penetration There is no denying the 10mm Auto's impressive power. However, critics argue that it may be too powerful for self-defense. The 10mm Auto propels a 175-grain projectile at 1160 fps, delivering 523 foot-pounds of energy. It retains its energy quite well, with 437 foot-pounds at 50 yards. This makes the cartridge suitable for engaging targets beyond typical defensive shooting distances. Due to its substantial energy, the 10mm Auto has garnered a reputation for over-penetration, which can be problematic in crowded situations. However, selecting loads specifically designed for significant expansion, such as Federal Personal Defense HST or Hornady Critical Duty, can address this issue. Capacity Standard-size 10mm pistols typically offer magazine capacities comparable to those of standard-size 9mm or .40 S&W pistols. However, they are slightly larger and heavier than their .40 S&W counterparts and significantly bulkier than standard 9mm pistols. The size and weight of 10mm pistols make them challenging to conceal. Subcompact models are more concealable and comfortable to carry, but shooting smaller 10mm pistols can be considerably more difficult. Cost and Availability Due to its decreased popularity compared to the past, the 10mm Auto has fewer options for firearms and ammunition available. Nevertheless, it is regaining much of its former popularity, which may lead to an increase in pistol and ammunition offerings from manufacturers in the near future. During the ammo panic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, when 9mm or .45 ACP rounds were in short supply, the availability of 10mm Auto remained relatively stable. If you are seeking a cartridge that is less affected by such panics, the 10mm Auto should be a reliable choice. 10mm Auto JHP Ammo: Barnes & PMC Need bulk 10mm AUTO ammo? Check out our 10mm AUTO section on our site to see what’s in stock!

.45 ACP

Need bulk 45 ACP ammo? Check out our 45 ACP section on our site to see what’s in stock!